Portable platform

Abstract

A portable platform for use on a roof structure, comprising a base that rests against an inclined surface of the roof structure and a deck that extends from the base at an angle to provide a level work surface, the base being securable to the roof structure via a locking member configured to engage a fastener of the roof structure which projects from the inclined surface.

Description

PORTABLE PLATFORMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable platform. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a portable platform that provides a level working surface when used on an inclined surface of a roof structure, and a method of use of the platform.BACKGROUND

[0002] During construction and maintenance tasks, tradespeople are often required to work on an inclined surface above the ground for an extended period. For example, when working atop roof structures of domestic houses, a steep roof pitch and other external factors such as wet weather add hazard and difficulty to the task at hand.

[0003] While it is industry practice to require tradespeople to wear safety harnesses when working at height to prevent falls, harnesses do little to provide a safe footing or to improve comfort when working on inclined surfaces for extended periods.

[0004] Against this backdrop, tradespeople may seek to install a make-shift ladder type scaffold upon a roof by fixing timber planks in position at spaced distances along the roof. Such process is relatively labour intensive and time consuming, making it generally impractical when considering that tradespeople may visit five or more properties per day. Furthermore, when working atop a pitched metal roof structure including corrugated iron roofs that are popular in Australia, fixing such temporary scaffold structures in place via nails, screws and the like may cause damage and / or risk the integrity of the roof structure, while the driving of fasteners through the substrate surface may cause water leakages.

[0005] The present invention has been conceived with the above in mind, and seeks to at least in part alleviate the above-identified problems or to provide the public with a useful choice.SUMMARY

[0006] In a first aspect, the invention provides a portable platform for use on a roof structure, comprising a base that rests against an inclined surface of the roof structure and a deck that extends from the base at an angle to provide a level work surface, the base being securable to the roof structure via a locking member configured to engage a fastener of the roof structure which projects from the inclined surface.

[0007] An angle of the deck with respect to the base may be adjustable to suit a pitch of the inclined surface. The platform may further comprise an adjustment member configured to set the angle of the deck with respect to the base. The adjustment member may be insertable within a selected one of a plurality of receiving regions of the deck and / or the base. The adjustment member may be provided in the form of a plate that extends across a complete span of the deck.

[0008] In a second aspect, the invention provides a portable platform for use on a roof structure, comprising a base that is securable against an inclined surface of the roof structure via a locking member and a deck that extends from the base at an angle that is set via inserting an adjustment member into a selected one of a plurality of receiving regions of the deck and / or the base, wherein the receiving region is selected based on a pitch of the inclined surface to allow the deck to provide a level work surface.

[0009] The locking member may include a recess that is shaped to engage a head of a fastener. The recess may be keyhole shaped. The platform may include a plurality of locking members that are spaced across a width of the deck.

[0010] In some embodiments, the base may include a locating region within which the locking member is locatable. The locating region may be provided in the form of a seat upon or within which the locking member is rested. A position of the locking member relative to the base may be adjustable when the base is rested against the inclined surface.

[0011] In some embodiments, the deck may be hingedly attached to the base. The base and the deck may be provided in the form of plates.

[0012] The platform may be transitionable between a flat configuration in which the deck rests against the base and an operating configuration in which the deck extends outwardly from the base. In the flat configuration, at least part of the deck may be adapted to provide a carry handle of the platform.

[0013] The work surface may be a high friction surface.

[0014] In a third aspect, the invention provides a kit for forming the portable platform as described herein, the kit including a base, a deck and an adjustment member that is coupled or couplable to the deck.

[0015] In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a scaffolding system, comprising two portable platforms as described herein and a bridge member, with the bridge member being couplable to the respective decks of each platform, such that, when the platforms are installedupon a roof structure parallel to one another, the bridge member forms a level walkway therebetween.

[0016] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method of installing a level work surface upon an inclined surface of a roof structure, including the steps of: providing a portable platform in a flat configuration; securing the platform to the roof structure; and transitioning the platform into an operating configuration by arranging a deck of the platform to extend outwardly from a base of the platform.

[0017] The step of securing the platform may involve engaging a locking member of the platform with a fastener of the roof structure.

[0018] In some embodiments, the step of transitioning the platform involves engaging an adjustment member that is coupled to one of the deck and the deck with a receiving region of the other one of the deck and base, with a position of the adjustment member with respect to the receiving region being selected based on a pitch of the inclined surface.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 is perspective view of a portable platform according to an embodiment of the invention, showing the platform in an operating configuration;Figure 2 is a front view of the portable platform in an open configuration;Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a pair of portable platforms installed upon an inclined surface of a roof structure;Figure 4 is a perspective view of a plurality of portable platforms installed upon a roof structure;Figure 5 is perspective view of a portable platform according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, showing the platform in an open configuration;Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a kit of parts for forming a portable platform according to an embodiment of the invention;Figure 7 is a perspective view of a scaffold system that includes two portable platforms according to an embodiment of the invention;Figure 8 is a perspective view of a portable platform according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention, showing the platform in the operating configuration;Figure 9 is a side view of the portable platform of Figure 8 in the operating configuration;Figure 10 is a top view showing a base of the platform of Figure 8;Figures 11 to 14 are enlarged perspective views showing an adjustment member of the portable platform of Figure 8; andFigure 15 is a flowsheet that schematically illustrates a method of use of a portable platform, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings may be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0021] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of the example methods and materials are described herein.

[0022] In general terms, embodiments of the invention as shown in the Figures relate to a portable platform 10 for use on a roof structure 12. The platform 10 includes a base 14 that is adapted to rest against an inclined surface 16 of the roof structure 12. The base 14 is securable to the inclined surface 16 and / or the roof structure 12 via at least one locking member 18. The platform 10 also includes a deck 20 that extends from the base 14. The deck 20 is adapted to provide a step-like work surface 22 when the platform 10 is installed upon the roof structure 12. During use of the platform 10, the deck 20 is supported at an angle with respect to the base 14, with the angle substantially corresponding to a pitch of the inclined surface 16 such that the work surface 22 is a level (i.e. substantially horizontal) surface.

[0023] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the portable platform 10 in an operating configuration. In the operating configuration, the deck 20 extends from the base 14 at an angle such that the work surface 22 provides a level work surface. Preferably, the work surface 22 is ahigh friction surface that provides improved levels of grip to those working at height. For example, the work surface 22 may be coated with a high friction coating or similar, or be provided with a plurality of gripping projections and / or recesses. As shown, both the base 14 and the deck 20 are provided in the form of plates, with the deck 20 being hingedly attached to the base 14 at or towards a rear edge thereof. An inside or underside of the base 14 is preferably provided or otherwise coated with a rubber layer to minimise or prevent slipping of the platform which may cause scratching of the inclined surface 16 of the roof substrate.

[0024] An adjustment member 24 is disposed intermediate the base 14 and the deck 20. The adjustment member extends between an inner surface of the deck 20 to an opposing surface of the base 14. As shown, the adjustment member 24 is provided in the form of a plate, with the plate having a width that spans between opposite side edges of the deck 20. While the plate form of the adjustment member 24 is considered advantageous in that the deck 20 is supported across its entire width, it is understood that the adjustment member 24 may be provided in other forms. The adjustment member 24 is coupled to the deck 20. In particular, an edge of the adjustment member 24 is received within a slot 26 provided on the inner surface of the deck 20, while an opposite edge of the adjustment member 24 rests against or otherwise abuts the opposing surface of the base 14.

[0025] The adjustment member 24 is configured to support the deck 20 at a set angle with respect to the base 20. For example, the deck 20 may be set so as to extend at an angle of about 22.5°, with this angle being complementary to the standard 6:12 pitch of a corrugated iron roof in Australia. Preferably, the angle of the deck 20 with respect to the base 14 may be adjusted to suit a variety of different pitched roofs well above and below this angle. For example, with particular reference to the embodiment shown in the Figure, the deck 20 may also be supported at set angles of 15 or 30 degrees, corresponding to 4:12 and 8:12 roof pitches, respectively. It is understood, however, that in other embodiments, the platform 10 may be supplied at a pre-set angle whereby the angle of the deck 20 with respect to the base 14 is fixed in the operating configuration. In such embodiments, the adjustment member 24 may simply be used to hold the deck 20 at this pre-set angle.

[0026] Moving now to Figure 2, which shows the portable platform 10 in an open configuration that is used when installing the platform 10 atop a roof structure 12. In the open configuration, the deck 20 and adjustment member 24 coupled thereto are lifted upwardly away from the base 14. In this manner, the open configuration provides access to a plurality of receiving regions 26 that are provided on the inside of the deck 20. The adjustment member 24 is removably couplable to the deck 20 via the receiving regions 26. The receiving regions 26 may be provided, for example, in the form of a plurality of slots or grooves defined by parallel projectingribs that extend laterally across a width of the deck 20, between the opposing sides thereof. The slots 26 allow adjustment or setting of the angle of the deck 20. In particular, while the adjustment member 20, as shown, is inserted within a slot 26 located toward a front edge of the deck 20 so as to suit a comparatively shallow pitch angle, the adjustment member 24 may be located in another slot that is provided further rearward in a direction of the rear edge. For example, it may be desirable to provide a step of increased height by positioning the adjustment member 24 in a more rearward slot may be chosen in order to hold the deck 20 level when the base is rested against an inclined surface of a comparatively higher pitch roof structure 12. It is understood that the function of the slots 26 may be provided by alternative means that function as a receiving region on the deck or the base into which the adjustment member may be insertable.

[0027] The open configuration of the platform 10 also provides access to the locking member 18. As shown, the locking member 18 is provided in the form of a plate having a recess 28. The recess 26 is configured to receive a fastener. In particular, the recess 28 is configured to receive a roofing screw of the roof structure 12. What is meant by this is that the recess 28 is adapted to engage with a pre-existing or in-situ fastener of the roof structure 12. For example, the recess 28 may be a key-shaped recess that is shaped to receive the protruding head of a fastener used to attach corrugated iron cladding atop a roof structure 12. In this way, the locking member 18 serves similar to a clamp or clip, securing the base 14 against the inclined surface 16. Advantageously, by relying on the existing roofing screws of the roof structure 12 as the securing means, it is not necessary for an installer to drill or otherwise form additional holes in the substrate of the roof and / or to carry the required tools and equipment for doing so.

[0028] The locking member 18 is preferably positionable with respect to the base 14. What is meant by this is that the position of the locking member 18 can be adjusted when the base 14 is in-situ, resting against the inclined surface 16. In this manner, the locking member 18 can be adjusted so as to easily engage the fastener of the roof structure 12 without having to move the entire platform 10. This reduces the precision required when positioning the platform 10 in place on the roof structure 12. Preferably, the locking member 18 is also locatable with respect to the deck 20, in the sense that the deck 20 is provided with a locating region 30 for the locking member 18. The locating region 30 serves as a guide to assist the installer in easily placing the locking member 18 in position. The locating region 30 may, for example, be provided in the form of a recessed seat within which the locking member 18 is receivable. Notably, a width of the seat is larger than that of the locking member 18, thereby providing a degree of play that facilitates fine adjustment of the position of the locking member 18 in a lateral direction. Alternatively, the locating region 30 may comprise, for example, a raised lip or similar against which the locking member can be positioned.

[0029] With respect to the embodiment shown, three locking members 18 are provided within three separate locating regions 30. In Australia, roofing screws have a specific pattern that is required to be followed when used for tying down a substate to a roof structure. A spacing between the locating regions 19 has been designed to match this spacing. It is understood, however, that different arrangements and spacings are also contemplated. Also, it is understood that the platform 10 may be provided with a different number of locking members 18 and / or locating regions 30 than that shown in the Figures - for example, it is contemplated that the platform 10 may be provided in different lengths, with platforms 10 of greater length being provided with an increased number of locating regions 10 and locking members 18 to suit. Further, it is understood that the number of locating regions 30 need not be the same as the number of locking members 18. For example, there may be instances where it is not necessary to insert or otherwise use one or more provided locking members 18 into a provided locating region 30. Alternatively, each or the locating region 30 may be configured to receive more than one locking member 18. Preferably, at least two locking members 18 are used to secure the base 14 to the inclined surface 16. By fixing the base 14 at two separate points, the platform 10 is prevented from rotating on its axis should a user step towards edges of the platform 10.

[0030] While not shown in the Figures, it is understood that the platform 10 is also transitionable to a stowed configuration. In the stowed configuration, the deck 20 rests substantially parallel to and against the base 14, so as to provide the platform 10 with a flat footprint for improved carriability and easy transport. For example, in the stowed form, the platform 10 may have the approximate dimensions of a briefcase and be stowable in a cargo area of a work vehicle or behind the seats of a passenger vehicle. In the stowed configuration, the adjustment member 24 may be uncoupled or otherwise disengaged with the receiving region 26 of the deck 20. For example, the adjustment member 24 may be positioned so as to lie flat against the base 14, under the deck 20. Advantageously, as best shown in Figure 1, a projecting portion of the base 14 may provide a carry handle 32 to assist in handling the platform 10, allowing an installer to easily carry the platform 10 with one hand while using their other hand to safely climb a ladder and or hold onto a safety rail while climbing up onto or otherwise maneuvering themselves along the roof structure 12. In this manner, it is contemplated that the platform 10 will be formed from comparatively light weight materials enabling a tradesperson to carry about three platforms 10 simultaneously.

[0031] Figures 3 and 4 show a plurality of platforms 10 installed in-situ, secured to an inclined corrugated iron surface 16 of a roof structure 12. In particular, it is understood that when used together, a series of platforms 10 can be arranged to form a temporary ladder like path over the inclined surface 16, with the decks 20 of the platforms 10 providing level working surfaces 22.

[0032] An alternative form of the invention, in the form of platform 10’, will now be described with reference to Figure 5. For clarity, similar reference numerals will be used to describe equivalent features and / or functional analogues.

[0033] The platform 10’ is generally similar to platform 10 as described hitherto, with a primary difference lying in the way in which deck 20’ is set or otherwise held at a desired angle with respect to the base 14’. In particular, in this embodiment, an adjustment member 24’ is provided in the form of a hinged plate, which is pivotably coupled to the inside of the deck 20. The base 14’ is provided with a plurality of upstanding tabs 26’ against which the adjustment member 24’ are selectably received. As shown, respective pairs of tabs 26’ are provided on opposite sides of the base 14’. Depending on which set of tabs 26’ is selected, the set angle of the deck 20’ can be chosen in order to hold the deck 20 level.

[0034] It is contemplated that one or more portable platforms 10,10’ as described herein may be provided in the form of a kit 34. In particular, as shown in Figure 6, the kit 34 may include a base 14, one or more locking members 18, a deck 20 and an adjustment member 24. The kit 34 may require some assembly by a user or, alternatively, may be provided in a substantially assembled form. Where the kit 34 is provided in an assembled form, it is contemplated that the platform 34 is likely to be provided in the flat or stowed configuration as previously described.

[0035] Optionally, a pair of either one of platforms 10, 10’ may be arranged together and used as part of a scaffolding system 36. The scaffolding system 36 is shown in Figure 7. As shown, the system 36 includes a pair of platforms that are arranged parallel to one another and a bridge member 38 that cooperate to form a level walkway atop a roof structure 12. The walkway provides a safe thoroughfare for a tradesperson to traverse the roof structure 12. The bridge member 38 may, for example, be provided in the form of an elongate plank. Although the bridge 38 may be held in position by the non-slip or high friction surface of the respective deck 20 of the respective platforms 10, preferably, the bridge 38 is coupled to each of the platforms 10,10’. For example, the bridge 38 may include recessed holes that may be aligned with matching holes in the decks 20. A bolt and pin connection or similar may then be used to facilitate easy connection and disconnection.

[0036] An alternative form of the invention, in the form of platform 10”, will now be described with reference to Figures 8 to 15. For clarity, similar reference numerals will be used to describe equivalent features and / or functional analogues.

[0037] The platform 10” is generally similar to platforms 10 and 10’ as described hitherto, with a primary difference lying in the way in which the position of the locking member(s) 18” maybe adjusted and the way in which the deck 20” is set or otherwise held at a desired angle with respect to the base 14”.

[0038] In particular, as is best shown in Figure 9, the locking members 18” are slidably fixed to the base 14” via bolts that are received within slotted locating regions 30”. In this way, a lateral position of the locking members 18” may be adjusted by loosening the bolts by which the locking members 18” are attached to the slots and laterally sliding the locking members 18” into the desired position. It is understood that this lateral adjustment allows a user of the platform 10” to adjust the locking members 18” in-situ as required to suit the spacing between the roofing screws of the roof surface 16.

[0039] Adjustment of the angle of the deck 20” will now be described with reference to Figures 10 to 14.

[0040] As shown in Figure 10, an adjustment member 24” of the platform 10" is provided in the form of a hinged arm. The arm 24” is pivotably coupled at one end to the base 14” and slidably coupled at an opposite end to the deck 20” via a slider 40 that is received within a slotted receiving region 26” provided on a side wall of the deck 20”.

[0041] The slider 40 can be set in a desired position within the slot 26” via the use of a lever 42. The lever 42 is moveable between a free position (Figure 11) and an engaged position (Figure 12). To set the desired angle of the deck 20”, with the lever 42 in the free position, a user thereof translates the slider 40 along the slot 26” until which point the deck 20” is substantially horizontal. At this point, the lever 42 is moved to the engaged position (as shown in Figure 13).

[0042] Best shown in Figures 13 and 14, the lever 42 includes an eccentric 44. The eccentric 44 provides a means by which the slider 40 may be selectably brought into contact with a toothed edge 46 of the slot 26”. The toothed edge 46 is configured to engage with corresponding teeth 48 of the slider 40, so as to hold the slider 40 in a desired position. In particular, when the lever 42 is in the free position, the slider 40 is disengaged from the toothed edge of the slot 26”, and is free to slide along a smooth edge 50 thereof. When the lever 42 is moved to the engaged position, the eccentric 44 of the lever 2 pushes the slider 40 into contact with the toothed edge 46, such that the teeth 48 of the interlock with the toothed edge 46, securing the slider 40 in position and thereby holding the deck 20” at the desired angle. It is understood that the operation of the lever 42” is such that it serves as a locking mechanism that secures the deck 20” at a set angle with respect to the base 14”.

[0043] A method 100 of installing a level work surface upon an inclined surface of a roof structure using the platform 10 as described herein will now be described with reference to Figure15. Unless indicated otherwise, it is understood that platforms 10’ and 10” as described herein may also be used to carry-out method 100.

[0044] In a providing step 110, a portable platform is provided. During this step, for example, a user may transport the platform 10 in the folded configuration to a worksite where the user is required to perform work or maintenance atop an inclined surface 16 of a roof structure 12. Preferably, the platform 10 is provided in the flat configuration to facilitate improved portability and handleability.

[0045] In a securing step 120, the platform is secured to the roof structure. During this step, for example, the base 14 may be rested against the inclined surface 16 of a corrugated iron or similar type roof structure 12, with locking members 18 being arranged to engage with a projecting roofing screw of the roof structure 12. It is contemplated, that when used on roof structures 12 of different type and or profile including those without projecting roofing screws, an adapter plate (not shown) or similar may be positioned between the platform 10 and the roof structure 12, with the adapter plate providing the inclined surface 16 to which the platform 10 is subsequently secured. In such applications, it is understood that an additional step of locking or otherwise fixing the adapter plate to the external surface of the roof structure 12 would be required.

[0046] In a transitioning step 130, the platform is transitioned into an operating configuration in which a deck of the platform projects outwardly from a base thereof, with the deck being held in a substantially horizontal or level orientation. During this step, for example, an adjustment member 24 that is coupled or otherwise carried by one of the base 14 and the deck 20 may be inserted into or otherwise engaged with a receiving region 26 of the other one of the base 14 and the deck 20, with the position of the adjustment member 24 with respect to the receiving region 26 being selected based on a pitch of the inclined surface 16.

[0047] Summarily, it is understood that embodiments of the invention as described herein provide a portable platform and method that provides a substantially level or horizontal working surface to be formed atop an inclined surface, such as that of a roof structure. In such manner, the invention creates a safe and comfortable platform to work from. In particular, the platform includes a base that is securable to the roof structure, preferably via one or more locking members that engage with pre-installed fasteners of the roof structure, obviating the need to use additional fixing means, protecting the roof from scratches, dints and general damage. Such platform may have particular application when used on metal roofs whereby it is generally undesirable to form additional holes for fixing temporary scaffolds and the like. Also, because the working surface is provided by a deck that is attached to the base, an angle of which with respect to a base can be adjustably set so as than allow the platform to be used on roof structures of varying pitch.

[0048] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

[0049] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word ‘comprise’, and variations such as ‘comprises’ and ‘comprising’, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.LEGEND

Claims

CLAIMS1. A portable platform for use on a roof structure, comprising a base that rests against an inclined surface of the roof structure and a deck that extends from the base at an angle to provide a level work surface, the base being securable to the roof structure via a locking member configured to engage a fastener of the roof structure which projects from the inclined surface.

2. The platform of claim 1, wherein the angle of the deck with respect to the base is adjustable to suit a pitch of the inclined surface.

3. The platform of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an adjustment member configured to set the angle of the deck with respect to the base.

4. The platform of claim 3, wherein the adjustment member is insertable within a selected one of a plurality of receiving regions of the deck and / or base.

5. A portable platform for use on a roof structure, comprising a base that is securable against an inclined surface of the roof structure via a locking member and a deck that extends from the base at an angle that is set via inserting an adjustment member into a selected one of a plurality of receiving regions of the deck and / or base, wherein the receiving region is selected based on a pitch of the inclined surface to allow the deck to provide a level work surface.

6. The platform of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member includes a recess that is shaped to engage a head of a fastener.

7. The platform of claim 6, wherein the recess is keyhole shaped.

8. The platform of any one of the receiving claims, wherein the base includes a locating region within which the locking member is locatable.

9. The platform of claim 8, wherein the locating region is provided in the form of a seat upon or within which the locking member is rested.

10. The platform of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a position of the locking member relative to the base is adjustable when the base is rested against the inclined surface.

11. The platform of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of locking members that are spaced across a width of the deck.

12. The platform of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deck is hingedly attached to the base.

13. The platform of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the work surface is a high friction surface.

14. The platform of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform is transitionable between a flat configuration in which the deck rests against the base and an operating configuration in which the deck extends outwardly from the base.

15. The platform of claim 14, wherein, in the flat configuration, at least part of the deck is adapted to provide a carry handle of the platform.

16. A kit for forming the platform of any one of the preceding claims, the kit including a base, a deck and an adjustment member that is coupled or couplable to the deck.

17. A scaffolding system, comprising two portable platforms according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and a bridge member, with the bridge member being couplable to the respective decks of each platform, such that, when the platforms are installed upon a roof structure parallel to one another, the bridge member forms a level walkway therebetween.

18. A method of installing a level work surface upon an inclined surface of a roof structure, including the steps of:providing a portable platform in a flat configuration;securing the platform to the roof structure; andtransitioning the platform into an operating configuration by arranging a deck of the platform to extend outwardly from a base of the platform.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of securing the platform involves engaging a locking member of the platform with a fastener of the roof structure.

20. The method of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the step of transitioning the platform involves engaging an adjustment member that is coupled to one of the base and the deck with areceiving region of the other one of the deck and base, with a position of the adjustment member with respect to the receiving region being selected based on a pitch of the inclined surface.

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